Community

Balmain Rozelle Community

Balmain Rozelle maintains its proud working class traditions even though the heavy industries have gone. Now the area is home for a community of people from blue collar to middle-class.

The Industrial Past

Fifty years ago large-scale industry dominated the peninsula’s foreshore. Balmain Coal Loader, Balmain Power Station, Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive, Monsanto and Caltex provided employment for many Balmain and Rozelle locals. In the 1970s the suburb started to change as many residences were gentrified and renovated by newer owners. A 1990s housing boom saw land redeveloped for housing on previous industrial sites.

Local Government and planning

In 1948 Balmain, Birchgrove and Rozelle, as well as Annandale, were placed under Leichhardt Council. In 1965 the Balmain Association was formed to give residents a voice in planning and heritage decisions such as the demolition of historic buildings. They were successful in opening up of the peninsula’s foreshores to public access.

Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre

Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation and a registered charity. It is a community hub that connects local people, especially those socially and financially isolated, to information, referral services and access to advocacy. They help children, young families, people with physical and intellectual disabilities, older people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, local community groups and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Media

Balmain Rozelle is serviced by masses of media. Ciao is an independent, intelligent and savvy magazine reflecting the Inner West creative class and lifestyle. The Inner West Independent newspaper serves mostly the Leichhardt Council area.

Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce

The Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce links Sydney businesses from Balmain, Rozelle, East Balmain, Birchgrove, White Bay and Lilyfield with the larger business sector. Its members aim to create a vibrant, successful business community essential for a healthy local economy.

OUR SUPPORTERS

ABOUT US

Shop Balmain Rozelle is a peninsula wide initiative supported by Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce and Leichhardt Council for creating a strong local economy based on locally owned and operated businesses.